The work examines the concept of food in relation to health in ancient India, throwing light on aspects such as dietary habits of the people and the changes in them and medicine and the medical profession in Vedic times. Quoting from various sources, it presents a detailed study of the concept of food and medicine as dealt with in the Ayurveda and important texts like the Charakasamhita. It includes an account of the health care system as enumerated in Pali literature. It also delves into the medicinal value of herbs and plants such as the tulasi.